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Militia Act
Passed by US congress. Taps into new man power for the war by incorporating black men. Most black men serve as infrastructure. -
Battle of Antietam
In western Maryland. Robert E. Lee invades Maryland against George McClellan. This is the first time the confederate army has invaded union territory. On the way to Anteitam, One of McClellan's officers found a cigar package wrapped in Lee's battle plan but does not use it to his full advantage in case it was a set up. This battle ends up being a stalemate. It is also the bloodiest day of the Civil War -
Emancipation Proclamation Issued
Issued by Lincoln, who had it written in July but wanted to wait for a major victory (Anteitam was good enough) so that it didn't look like a move of desperation. -
Emancipation Proclamation takes effect
It is famous for freeing slaves, but it did not. It applied to only states who had seceded from the Union. -
Vicksburg
A year long campaign. The "Gibraltar if the West", US military forts on top of cliffs. Unlysses S Grant is the Union General during this campaign. After taking a year to go around Vicksburg, takes it, splitting the confederacy. -
Battle of Gettysburg
George Meade vs. Robert E. Lee. They meet up in Gettysburg because Lee's men need shoes from a shoe factory there. Lee tells a commander to take high ground but he doesn't listen, so Union army occupies high ground. Lee stays to fight despite his men's warnings. Union Victory, leaving Confederacy on the defense. -
Enrollment Act
The first draft in US history. It was a fundamental change in government power as now, men could be forced to fight. Americans accept it because they are scared of National Security being in danger. -
Pickett's Charge
Lee's worst day of battle. His men are in an open field, over a fence, etc. while under fire the whole time. -
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Irish Draft Riots
riots that turned NYC into a war zone. The Irish are mad about being drafted immediately off of the boat. They also fear if their side wins, life will get harder for them.